by Kate Eglan-Garton

Created on: November 08, 2011   Last Updated: November 09, 2011

The Australasian Gannet is a beautiful sea bird that soars majestically above the ocean and high cliffs.  The snow-white wings are outlined with very dark tips that make a dramatic picturesque scene as they stand boldly on rocks and ocean edges.  The pale bluish gray beaks are long and in perfect symmetry with the rest of the body.  Also outlined with dark trim, you would almost think that a makeup artist had painted the colors into place.  The crown is a shaded yellow that appears golden in the water’s reflection.

Unless you live in southeastern Australia or New Zealand, you will not have the pleasure of watching these birds perform daily feats.  Australasian Gannets can put on an air show that is incredible especially at feeding time.  The wide spanned wings that hold balance can suddenly become folded along their back and a daring dive toward the water makes you wonder if they are about to meet with death.  But the Gannet is just fishing, surprising their prey beneath the surface and gobbling the fish before rising back to the surface.  The entire spectacle takes less than 30 seconds and they hardly ever miss a target.

Sir Joseph Banks wrote of the Australasian Gannets as he witnessed them in flight in 1769 aboard the Endeavour.  The crew aboard Captain Cook’s ship was making the first voyage to New Zealand and noted the similarities to European geese.  It is believed that gannets have learned that the islands provide the best protection against depredation as have met other breeds.  Gannet Island and White Island are home to 28 colonies during breeding season where a male and female mate for life.  The female tends to the property while the male gathers material for the nest.  A single egg is laid and the couple take turns in incubating the egg, similar to that of penguins.

Just under 2 feet in length, the wingspan of an adult gannet can reach 6 feet wide, providing a good balance of air for soaring.  Being a social species, chicks learn at an early age that traveling in groups can be comforting as well as safe.  At a mere 2 to 5 years of age, they are allowed to travel without their parents and at 4 to 7 years of age, are prepared for mating.

The longest living of any living sea birds, the Australasian Gannet can live up to 35 years by migrating during the winter, bonding with a mate and keeping a healthy diet of anchovy, jack mackerel and pilchards.  Although classified as a protected native bird, the gannet does not appear to need help in knowing how to lead the perfect life and extend for many generations to come.

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